Dental Crowns

A crown is a covering that will wrap and protect the entire surface of a tooth, allowing it to look and function just like the original tooth. Crowns work to strengthen the tooth while protecting the existing structure, extending the life of the tooth longer than it would be with a filling or another restoration.

Reasons for Choosing a Dental Crown

Dental crowns can correct a variety of problems that you might be experiencing with your teeth:

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Fractured or broken teeth

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Severely decayed teeth

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Cosmetic imperfections

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Fractured fillings

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Tooth protection needed after a root canal

Types of Dental Crowns

There are three main types of dental crowns available, and we'll help you choose the right one for your mouth:

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All Porcelain: The all porcelain crown is one of the most aesthetically pleasing options, but it is generally only recommended for the front teeth. When placed on the rear teeth, the risk of fracture with these crowns will increase.

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Gold: Gold crowns are extremely durable, and they are best suited for the back molars where they cannot be seen. Gold crowns are useful for people who clench or grind their teeth. Gold crowns tend to be most similar to your natural teeth, which will allow the tissue to quickly adapt to the restoration, and a minimal amount of your natural tooth structure will need to be removed to have the crown put into place.

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Porcelain Fused to Metal: This type of crown will feature a metal base with porcelain attached to the outside, making the restoration more attractive than an entirely metal option. If you want the durability of a gold crown but want your tooth to look as natural as possible, this would be a great selection. Some risk does still exist regarding fractures, but in the event of a chip or break, it is usually just the outer porcelain portion that is damaged.

The Dental Crown Procedure

If you'll be getting a dental crown, you can plan on having two appointments to complete the process. At your first visit, the tooth will be prepared by removing decay, and the surface will be shaped so it can fit the crown. We will take impressions of your teeth so your customized crown can be created, and you'll likely wear a temporary restoration while we wait for your crown to be finished.

At your follow-up appointment, we'll take off your temporary crown and will carefully place the permanent one in place. We'll also ensure proper bite and spacing.

After your appointment, we'll encourage you to follow up with us regularly. While proper oral hygiene is essential, you'll also need regular dental care to ensure that your crown is in the best possible shape.